I wouldn't do it. I'm quite content with my multi-car garage. Audi A4 Quattro for the bad weather days, Odyssey for the wife and kids, Dodge 3500 for the "big" stuff and the S for all the days in between. I have no need/want for an M3, until they offer it in AWD that is...and we all know they'll never do that.

Sam

 

Having started this post

The answers have surprised me.

I expected a strong bias for the S2000.

This forum is more open minded than others I have particiated in.

Impressive.

 

Yea, but for some reason, the s2000 doesn't indentify as a generaly typical looking Honda, its more of a different breed, being a two seater, contertible, RWD, etc... Not your typical civic or accord. Don't deny it, its obvious, when you see a BMW on the road, there not much striking difference between the 3 seriers, M3, 5 series, and M5 astectically. The powerplant is different, and when driving a M3, yes its fun, I don't deny that I like it, its an awesome car. But generally speaking, BMWs look alike, thats the point I'm trying to make.

 

oh yeah. the next gen m3 might be might next car. have to see what's out in a couple years.
or might just keep the S and get a honda sportbike to compliment

 

The S would need what? 300hp at the crank to stay 100% even with the M? A bolt on comptech would more than do it.

Considerning there is roughly a $20,000 difference between the two! especially if you look at an 04-05 s2000 vs 04-05 M3 with the same mileage!

I would think it would definately be possible to go turbo, reinforced diff, and stronger clutch, EMS, and tuning for what? just over $10,000? spend $3,500 on wheels, $2500 on suspension, and $2000 - $4,000 on bodywork...

You don't think that's possible?

 

You're focusing on Dyno results. Sure, 300 at the crank (M3 is 333 btw, with 255 lb tq) might be easy thru a supercharger. But a supercharger doesn't get the S2k to 60 in 4.9 Seconds, 100 in 11.5, and 1/4 mile in 13 seconds. The real world performance would be harder to get than the dyno numbers, at least from what I've read, I'm not an S expert though.

If I'm wrong, let me know, because I'd love to make the S as fast as the M3, and is my only "regret" to not buying the M3. I don't think I would need to spend $2500 on suspension in the S either, whereas the M3 would need closer to $3500 to get near the S

 

I had a feeling that's what you were getting at, but it is cool to have those little things (front bumper, side grills, hood, etc...) to set you apart from the pack - most people just look at it as a BMW. I took my M badge off the back to cover it up even more.

I love the styling of the pre-Bangle BMW's (the Z4 styling is the only Banglefied Bimmer I like - but that's a love/hate car) and the E46 M3 adds some small things that put it over the top for me. I also like the fact that I can run a rear wheel with a dish the S2000 can drive on But for me, I don't really care how many other cars like mine are on the road - I wish there were more = more enthusiasts! I must say that I have gotten waaaaaaay more compliments on the M than I ever did with the S. Stop-light flirting has been awesome ......I have got to get rid of my girlfriend

Almost every other day people tried to race me in the S, but nobody messes with me in the M (which I like - I hate highway ra/icers) - aside from the daily pull up next to me on the highway with a grin and thumbup

Don't get me wrong though - I hang out on the S2000 boards. I love the S! There are times I definitely miss the S. I also find S owners to be more down to earth - but that's a generalization I can't apply 100%.

 

http://www.peapod.com would have solved that for you.

Admittedly the S is not my only car, and I doubt I could deal with it as my only car.

 

My exact words.
I too traded my bimmer for the S, couldn't be happier with my choice.

Whaddup S4play, still hang out on fanatics?

 

Yea, with the badge off, I'd have to check for the side fender grill, suspension set up and the rim size and tire width to determine if you were BMW's flagship car. But for the most part, It grabs my attention when I see one on the road. They are nice!!!More M3s or M5s on the road are cool. I feel the same with the S2000. But I think most people will see a 3 or 5 series Beemer unless they are car enthusiasts to recognize it as a M series.

When I see a M3 and M5 on the road, its definately an eye catcher. My head turns and it gets the awhh factor since I don't see much around. But for the general public, there is a BMW at every intersection here in Dublin, OH.
Staying on the topic, after test driving a SMG M3 I was very impressed. The car provides the RWD set up of a sports car, the engine has power, and then the biggest bonus is it can seat four. If I ever have to comprimise with a four seater, the M3 or M5 would definately be on the list.